6/2/02
Moora Hospital will be extensively refurbished at a cost of $3.9million, the State Government announced today.
Acting Health Minister Sheila McHale said detailed planning for the development of a new theatre complex and on-site residential aged care facility would begin immediately.
"Both the new theatre complex and the aged care facility will be built on the site of the current hospital," Ms McHale said.
"This was considered to be the best location for patients accessing doctors and allied health services in the town centre."
Ms McHale said the buildings would be constructed to alleviate potential future flooding problems.
She said the local Project Control Group would decide on the optimum on-site location to ensure the redevelopment was integrated with the existing facility.
The $3.9million allocation for Moora forms part of the $7.7million reserved in the State Budget for major capital works programs in the Wheatbelt.
"The $7.7million will be spent on the construction and redevelopment of three major hospitals in the Wheatbelt region," Ms McHale said.
"As well as the Moora redevelopment, $1.4million has been set aside to complete the $2.4million redevelopment of the Goomalling District Hospital and a further $2.4million has been earmarked for the $5million redevelopment of Narrogin Hospital."
Ms McHale said mental health services in the Wheatbelt also remained a priority for the Government, with $350,000 being provided over two years for a rooming-in unit at Narrogin Hospital to accommodate people with a mental illness and their carers.
"The State Government is looking at long-term planning for hospital infrastructure and equipment in rural and regional WA," she said.
"Our capital works program highlights the Government's commitment to rural health services with the construction of new facilities, the redevelopment of existing facilities and the provision of a wide range of services."
Minister's office: 9213 7000
